McConnell On Rand Paul 2016 Run: Most 'Creditable' Since Henry Clay

Now that Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has thrown his support behind Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) during his re-election bid, McConnell is trying to return the favor.

During a speech at Fancy Farm, McConnell told the crowd that Paul would be a formidable candidate if he chose to run for president in 2016.

"If he chose to run, he would be the most creditable candidate for president since Henry Clay," McConnell said, according to the Huffington Post.

Henry Clay, known for brokering multiple compromises during his time representing Kentucky in Congress, ran for president three times— in 1824, 1832, and 1844 — but never won.

McConnell and Paul were not always buddies. McConnell tried to prevent Paul from winning the Republican nomination in the 2010 Senate race, but the two have developed a supportive professional relationship since then.

Paul is popular in Kentucky, and his endorsement of McConnell could give the Minority Leader a real boost.

Paul, however, has struggled to explain why he's supporting McConnell in 2014.